A local senior living community just got done celebrating a half-century.

Leaders at Sacred Heart Care Center, 1200 12th St. SW, Austin, decided to stray from a typical party for the center’s 50th anniversary celebration. Instead of having a two-hour open house, Sacred Heart chose to celebrate with five days worth of events from June 22 to 26. The celebration recognized and thanked the groups that have been and continue to be critical to the success of Sacred Heart.

“It was a wonderful celebration honoring all the individuals who have helped in so many ways to make Sacred Heart what it is today,” Administrator Rebecca Halverson said in a press release.

Sacred Heart opened in June of 1964 and was made possible through substantial funding from Fred Dugan. He reportedly saw a need for a retirement home in Austin that would offer beauty, purpose and dignity to the lives of its residents, as well as quality health care services. Dugan’s niece, Helen Mears, attended part of the celebration and was recognized as a special guest.

“My uncle would be very proud of it if he saw it today,” Mears said.

The festivities recognized a different section of Sacred Heart every day.

“[The celebration] was nice from beginning to end,” Mears said. “They did a very lovely job.”

The residents and their families were the first to be recognized with a picnic that more than 150 attended.

Day two featured a brunch in honor of Sacred Heart’s volunteers and their hard work.

On the third day, Bishop John Harrington from the Diocese of Winona celebrated mass for residents and guests, along with Sacred Heart’s Chaplain, the Rev. Donald Zenk. There was also a special reception with wine and hors d’ouevers, which all current and former board members were invited to attend.

Day four included a taco lunch for all Sacred Heart employees and their families.

The celebration concluded with ice cream and cake for all residents, clients, employee and visitors.